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Ramonet Sends Sharma's Tierra Negra (5.14d/.15a) Second Try

Spanish ace Ramon Julian Puigblanque has claimed the third ascent of Chris Sharma's Tierra Negra (5.14d/.15a) in Margelef, Spain. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that Puigblanque clipped the chains on just his second try. Ramonet (Julian's nickname) described the route on his blog as "hard and intense" with long cross-through moves between mono-pockets. After his initial attempt on the route, Ramonet reports that he rested and then roped up for another try. "I climbed as fast as possible and made the most of the few rests," he wrote. Eventually, Ramonet found himself at the top of the 164-foot pitch, having sent Tierra Negra in two tries.

Ramonet is perhaps best known for his competition climbing, having won two lead climbing world championships and two European championships. However, the Spaniard often transfers his intense competition training to the rock, where he has onsighted 5.14c and climbed multiple 5.15as, including the first ascent of the classic La Rambla in Siurana, Spain. At just 5-foot 2-inches tall, Ramonet compensates for his lack of reach with an abundance of technique, endurance and power.

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